Paul Pierce scored a game high 36 points (15/18 from the free throw line) and added 10 rebounds for a double double in a 102-95 road victory over the Charlotte Bobcats (7-40).

Against a better team the Boston Celtics might've lost, but a win is a win and this win has the Celtics (27-22) tied with the Philadelphia 76ers atop the Atlantic Division.

Boston built an 18 point lead in the first quarter, but the Bobcats - behind 35 second quarter points - were able to close their deficit to two at halftime. The Celtics kept Charlotte at arms length for most of the second half, and while Gerald Henderson (21 points) and the Bobcats kept it within a couple possessions late, Boston found a way to secure the victory.

Kevin Garnett added 24 points but only had 3 rebounds. Avery Bradley followed up last night's breakout performance with 11 points in the place of the injured Ray Allen. Rajon Rondo had 13 assists.